“Fu Shen, right? From today on, you are my dedicated servant.”
Yu Li stared down at the man with a triumphant glimmer in his eyes, his voice light and sweet. He was clearly enjoying the power he held over the man.
Fu Shen remained on his knees, his expression unreadable. He did not look at all offended. Instead, he simply reached for the hem of the robe that had been exposed earlier, his movements calm and meticulous.
“As you wish, my lord.”
Yu Li was momentarily stunned. He had expected a reaction, a show of annoyance or at least a flicker of pride, but Fu Shen remained perfectly composed. The man’s hands were steady as he began to pat the water droplets from Yu Li’s legs, his touch gentle yet incredibly thorough.
The sensation was maddening. Yu Li felt a jolt run down his spine, half-irritation and half-unease. He kicked his leg out, attempting to nudge Fu Shen away. “I told you to scrub me dry, not to stare!”
Fu Shen did not flinch. He caught Yu Li’s foot in his palm, his grip firm yet careful. His thumb brushed over the pink skin of Yu Li’s ankle, and he looked up. His eyes were deep and focused, devoid of the teasing spark from moments ago.
“I am only fulfilling my duty, my lord,” Fu Shen replied, his voice velvet-smooth. “You are very sensitive, are you not?”
Yu Li’s face burned. He wanted to retort, to snap at him, but his throat felt tight. He had been so focused on acting the villain that he hadn’t anticipated the protagonist shou would be so unbothered. It was frustratingly effective.
“Get up,” Yu Li snapped, trying to regain his composure by averting his gaze. “And stop calling me ‘my lord.’ It sounds ridiculous.”
Fu Shen finally stood up. He gathered the damp towel and tossed it aside, then reached for a clean, fluffy one. He didn’t say anything, but the way he looked at Yu Li—as if the youth were a fragile treasure he was privileged to tend to—was even more irritating than the teasing.
Yu Li stood up from the tub, his movements slightly unsteady. He wrapped himself in his bathrobe, trying to regain his dignity, but he caught sight of himself in the mirror—flushed, hair clinging to his face, his lips swollen. He looked like anything but the terrifying villain he was trying to be.
He stomped past Fu Shen, his wet feet slapping against the floor. “And another thing,” he muttered, trying to maintain his sharp tone. “I am hungry. If you don’t bring me something better than those candies, you’re fired.”
Fu Shen followed him out of the bathroom, his shadow long and steady on the floor. “I have already prepared a light meal that suits your delicate constitution. It is waiting for you in the dining room.”
Yu Li paused. A light meal? He hadn’t expected the protagonist shou to be this efficient. He huffed, attempting to hide his surprise. “Fine. It better be good.”
He marched into the dining room, his chin held high, ready to criticize the first thing he saw. However, as he walked into the room, he stopped.
The table was not filled with the usual, clinical nutrient packs. Instead, there was a spread of colorful, fragrant dishes that looked like something straight out of the ancient history books. The steam rising from the bowls carried a scent that made Yu Li’s stomach growl involuntarily.
He tried to suppress the reaction, clamping his mouth shut, but he could feel his composure slipping.
Fu Shen pulled out a chair for him, his gestures impeccably refined. “Please. Everything has been prepared with your specific needs in mind.”
Yu Li sat down, his heart racing. He was playing the part of a spoiled, demanding brat who hated everything, but the food looked delicious. He looked up at Fu Shen, who was standing by, waiting for his critique.
Yu Li picked up a spoon, looked at the dish, and frowned. “It looks… passable, I suppose. Don’t think this buys my favor.”
Fu Shen just smiled, a soft, knowing look in his eyes. “I would not dream of it, my lord. Please, eat before it gets cold.”
Yu Li took a bite, and the flavor was exquisite. It was everything he had been craving for hours. He had to remind himself to act unimpressed, to act like a villain, but for a moment, he just wanted to eat.
Stay focused, he told himself. You are the villain. The vicious one.
He slammed his spoon down. “This is too salty! Did you even taste this?”
Fu Shen didn’t look bothered. He simply stepped closer and picked up the dish. “My apologies. I shall prepare a fresh batch immediately.”
Yu Li blinked. Wait, no, that wasn’t what I meant. He wanted to see him angry, not so obedient!
“No,” Yu Li shouted, his voice cracking slightly. “Don’t bother! Just… just leave it there. I will eat it because I am generous, not because it is good!”
Fu Shen bowed his head, hiding a smile. “As you wish. You are indeed very generous.”
Yu Li turned his face away, pouting. He was failing at being a villain, and yet, for the first time since arriving in this world, he felt like he might actually survive.